By: Felix Ikpotor
Authorities of the Nigerian Army (NA) has debunked with it termed unsubstantiated allegations by the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom Wike against the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Maj. Gen. Jamil Sarham that he purportedly sent troops to cordon off his residence prior to the rescheduled General Elections on the 15th of February 2019.
The Governor further went on to allege an assassination attempt on his life by the GOC 6 Division.
The army in a statement made available to this medium by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col Sagir Musa said the army is appalled that a Governor who should epitomize leadership and good example in all senses could descend so low to employ smear campaign against the person of a GOC whose only responsibility amongst other things, – is about the safety and security of lives and properties in his area of responsibility.
The army said it does not train assassins as such the institution or her personnel cannot be involved in sending assassins to murder a state Governor as alleged by Wike.
The statement reads in part: “It is indeed no secret to the military authorities that Governor Wike has on various occasions made attempts to compromise the integrity of the GOC 6 Division. Having failed, despites series of overtures and monetary pledges of millions of dollars, both in person and from cronies, it is no surprise that the frustrated Governor has resorted to this appalling campaign of calumny. One would have thought that the resolute and uncompromising stance of Maj Gen Jamil Sarham in the face of several kinds of mouth-watering inducements would have earned him a commendation from any conscientious leader. Alas, this was not the case from the embittered governor of Rivers State but rather, these slanderous allegations”.
Musa said despite the unsubstantiated claims, the Nigerian Army has deemed it fit to clear the air by letting Wike and the general know that it would not be dragged into any form of political gerrymandering concocted for the furtherance of any person’s interest or notoriety.
He maintained that as a noble institution, the army is apolitical, neutral and would not compromise its constitutional roles under any guise.
The army army however, challenged Governor Wike to within 7 days, bring forth evidence that can substantiate his claims or save face and keep his peace.
